Wet lab: Proposing a novel paradigm for synthesizing color fibers

1. Through close collaboration with our dry lab team members, we developed a model based on the outcomes of wet experiments to optimize the growth conditions of K.xylinus. By fine-tuning the glucose concentration in the HS medium to an optimal range of 30-35g/L and the ethanol concentration to an optimal range of 0%-0.5%, we achieved remarkable improvements.

2. We successfully confirmed the functional expression of the composite part BBa_K4376003 from NFLS_Nanjing 2022 in C.glutamicum. Comprehensive experimental data and result images are provided in both the Results section and the Parts registry, ensuring the transparency and reliability of our findings.

3. Our team introduced an ingenious approach to construct a lipophilic dye synthesis system within K.xylinus, leading to the production of cellulose with captivating rainbow-like colors. This breakthrough sets us apart from previous iGEM projects such as LINKS_China 2021, GreatBay_SCIE 2019, and Aalto-Helsinki 2018. Unlike these projects that either separated dye synthesis and cellulose production into distinct steps or employed chromoproteins for protein staining, we pioneered the integration of dye synthesis and cellulose generation in a single cellular factory, namely K.xylinus. This novel solution offers a promising resolution to the pressing pollution challenges faced by the fashion industry. Our team engineered a range of plasmids for efficient chromoprotein expression and indigoidine synthesis in BC-producing strains of K.xylinus, enhancing the existing genetic toolkit of this microorganism. For further details, please refer to the Part collection section.

HP: PAIR Framework

This year, we have decided to combine these two analytical frameworks to create a new and more suitable analysis framework for our HP activities, called PAIR. The PAIR framework integrates the ideas from the AREA framework and the PDCA cycle of continuous reflection and improvement in projects, refining it into four helpful steps for conducting HP activities: PURPOSE-ACHIEVEMENT-IMPROVEMENT-REFLECTION.

Model

Our innovation lies in the integration of wet lab results with advanced computational methods, injecting new vitality into scientific research. Through our model we have successfully predicted BC membrane yield, cultivation time, and enzyme 3D structures, providing invaluable guidance to the wet lab team. This not only enhances research efficiency but also paves the way for future industrial applications while reducing the workload of the experimental team.

Furthermore, the impact of our methods and findings extends beyond our project's immediate scope. They have served as a robust foundation for subsequent teams, ensuring the enduring relevance of our innovative approach, which represents a seamless fusion of science and technology. This showcases the immense potential of AI in the realm of science.

Our cultivation medium screening model can be applied to various experimental designs, helping future teams identify the optimal concentration ratios for their specific cultivation experiments and estimate variance in growth outcomes under different conditions. The numerical differential model enables tracking of substance concentration changes over time, while the Logistic model, a fitted time series model, can provide the optimal cultivation duration for experimental protocols.

WeChat Official Account

Our WeChat Official Account has played a pivotal role in our outreach efforts. We've used it to provide in-depth insights into our team and projects, educate the public about iGEM and synthetic biology, and document our research, interviews, and other engagement activities. To date, our posts have garnered over 6,000 reads. During campus events, we've effectively promoted our account, tripling our follower count in a single evening. This has enabled students from diverse disciplines to become acquainted with iGEM and synthetic biology, ultimately attracting more attention to the profound impact of synthetic biology technologies on our lives.

Education

We have collaborated with the Postgraduates Voluntary Teaching Corps of Nanjing University and Lecture Team of School of Life Sciences to leverage university resources in order to disseminate the concepts and knowledge of synthetic biology to a wider and more diverse audience. Simultaneously, we've made the most of the resources from our former high school to conduct outreach and provide a more personalized introduction to synthetic biology.

Furthermore, it's worth noting that our education initiatives have had a lasting impact. Subsequent teams have continued to build on our work, extending the reach and influence of our project. In total, our education initiatives have reached individuals of various age groups across three provinces, impacting over 200 people. We have successfully harnessed resources from multiple directions to expand the influence of synthetic biology, spreading greater awareness of concepts related to life and health, synthetic biology knowledge, and the concept of microbial fibers, thus ensuring the sustainability and continuity of our project's mission.